Alumni Center Showcase: 2000s

The first decade of the 21st century ushered in a new era of excellence, learning, and distinction on the Hilltop. In 2007, Bradley welcomed its 10th and first female president, Joanne K. Glasser. She replaced Dr. David C. Broski, who served for seven years before retiring. Under their leadership, major renovation and expansion projects were completed on the Olin Hall of Science, Constance Hall, and Bradley Hall. The Markin Family Student Recreation Center also was built.

Students benefited from a focus on student-faculty collaboration and the subsequent creation of an annual Scholarship Expo. Additionally, Bradley began offering its first professional program, the Doctor of Physical Therapy, while the proliferation of portable technology — laptops and iPods — changed the way students studied, interacted and lived.

Dr. Kevin Stein was named the fourth Illinois Poet Laureate in 2003, and on December 18, 2008, President Barack Obama — who visited campus in 2005 as a U.S. senator — nominated Ray LaHood ’71 HON ’11 as the 16th U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

The Braves also delivered two unforgettable experiences: an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance for the men’s basketball team in 2006 and the soccer team’s inspirational run to the NCAA Elite 8 in 2007.